Politics

City Councilman Rafael Salamanca Jr. was named to chair the City Council’s influential Land Use Committee, where he will be responsible for working to shape zoning measures, development and affordable housing across the city.

Even though no Bronx Republican has won a seat on the New York City Council in two decades, the party’s candidates in the 8th and 17th Council districts are not giving up on tomorrow’s general election without a fight.

The Herald conducted an informal poll of Mott Haven residents who said they had no plans on voting in the 8th City Council District Democratic primary. Although the primary winner Diana Ayala won, dark horse candidate Tamika Mapp finished a close second, drawing interest for her proposal to raise the minimum wage to $20 per hour and to prioritize NYCHA repairs over subsidizing new construction.

Robert J. Rodriguez has conceded to Melissa Mark-Viverito staffer Diana Ayala, making her the Democrat who will run in the general election on Nov. 7. If she wins, as widely expected, Ayala will replace her term-limited boss as representative for the 8th City Council District.